A cost-effectiveness analysis of rapid yeast detection kits.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the cost effectiveness of the utilization of over-the-counter yeast infection detection kits in the diagnosis of vaginal candidiasis.

METHODS

A cost-benefit analysis based on a group of 70 adult women from a previous prospective study who presented with vaginitis symptoms. By constructing two decision trees, one in which the kits are an option to the women and one in which they are not, we predict the cost for diagnosing vaginal candidiasis in this group of women.

RESULTS

For a group of 70 women presenting with vaginitis symptoms, the total cost of diagnosing their infections without the use of kits is predicted to be 7,051.10 dollars. For the same 70 women, the total of cost of diagnosing their infections with the use of kits is predicted to be 5,941.02 dollars.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that the use of yeast infection detection kits could reduce the cost of diagnosis by 16%. The introduction of kits could save patients the time, money, and other resources involved in visiting a physician to confirm the diagnosis. Moreover, the sensitivity of yeast kits is superior to the traditional wet mount (77% vs. 52%), so there may be a role for the kits in the physician's office as well.